Designated drivers are invited to have some fun as the car makes its way around the country!

Nominate a deserving designated driver via www.Designated Driver.ie

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Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC) Northern Ireland is encouraging responsible and safe driving practices this Christmas with the 9th annual ‘Designated Driver Campaign’. The 2015 campaign is set to be bigger and better with ambassador Vogue Williams and Northern Ireland comedian Shane Todd taking to the streets to encourage party-goers to take care getting home this Christmas…and have fun doing it!

This Christmas, Coca-Cola HBC is encouraging the nation to nominate their favourite designated driver to be in with a chance of winning a visit from the world’s first Christmas Jumper Car! Coca-Cola wants to find and reward those drivers across the county who stick to water or soft drinks on nights out to ensure their friends and family get home safely. With nominations accepted via the website www.DesignatedDriver.ie, the Christmas Jumper Car will make its way around the island of Ireland throughout December, arriving to delight one winning driver in each province with a boot jam packed with prizes.

The campaign, which is proudly supported by the PSNI, Hospitality Ulster and the NI Hotel Federation, was officially launched by Environment Minister Mark H Durkan, who said: “I welcome this initiative by Coca Cola which reminds drivers to Never, Ever Drink and Drive.

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“In 2014 there were 16 people killed and 62 seriously injured that can be attributed to a driver or rider being impaired by alcohol or drugs. All of these families’ lives changed forever the moment those drivers responsible took a drink and decided to drive. We have a duty to our own families and friends to ensure we are there to celebrate Christmas with them. We also have to ensure others are with their loved ones at this time of year.

“The bottom line is that any alcohol, even just one drink, will impair your driving ability. To ensure you and your friends get home safely: book a taxi or have a designated driver who will not drink alcohol. Ask yourself, if you decide to drive after having a drink – and crash – and someone dies or is seriously injured; could you live with that shame?

Mr Durkan concluded: “The only safe level of alcohol to take, and drive, is none.”

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd also said: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland is once again pleased to support this year’s Designated Driver initiative. Our message is very simple. Do not drink and drive. Sadly, too often over the festive season our officers have to go to the homes of families and relay the devastating news that one of their loved ones have been killed or seriously injured on our roads.

“We want people to enjoy their night out, but to do so safely. Over the festive season our officers will be conducting drink driving operations to help keep people safe on our roads. To help us with that, we ask that people never drive after drinking or taking drugs, slow down whilst they are driving, wear a seatbelt at all times and drive with care, attention and consideration for others, so that we can all look forward to a safer Christmas on our roads.”

The Coca-Cola Christmas Jumper Car is a Kia Sportage wrapped in Christmas jumper-like material. The classic Coca-Cola red covers the car, with typical festive patterns of white knit snowflakes and reindeer, topped off with a delightful Santa hat.

Speaking about the launch of the 2015 campaign, Frank O’Donnell, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “Earlier this year we launched our larger 330ml glass bottle in pubs and restaurants, offering greater value and refreshment. It is the perfect size for the designated driver and in celebration of that, we want to ensure that they have as much, if not more, fun than their friends this Christmas and are rewarded for their efforts. As well as surprises from the Christmas Jumper Car, drivers can get up to two free drinks including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Deep RiverRock and Fruice in our new large glass bottles which will be available in all participating outlets.”

Friends, family and bar staff are urged to nominate their most-deserving designated driver at www.designateddriver.ie. One winner will be selected per province and surprised over the Christmas period with a visit by the Coca-Cola Christmas Jumper Car with prizes. Nominations must be received by Monday 14th December and winners will be visited before Christmas Eve, 24th December 2015.

Designated drivers can claim their free drinks by logging on to www.DesignatedDriver.ie and downloading a voucher. Alternatively they can enquire in participating pubs and restaurants. A full list of participating outlets across Ireland and Northern Ireland will be available on the website. The offer will be available to designated drivers in participating premises until December 31st, 2015.